These appliances have been designed to start automatically when electricity is cheapest, offering consumers energy savings. The first two appliances featuring smart-grid functionality will be a washing machine and a tumble dryer. The models can also be fitted with Miele’s gateway communication module, providing access to the appliances through a PC and the ability to monitor electricity rates.

After adding tariff data, the consumer can activate the Smart Start function in the appliance display – once the earliest starting time and the latest finishing time have been programmed in. Once installation is complete, the appliances will automatically run when electricity is cheapest. “Over the coming years, we are likely to see considerable variance in electricity rates in Germany,” says Peter Hübinger, Managing Director of Electronic Production at Miele. “With smart grid ready appliances, Miele is offering a highly relevant and future-proof solution.”